Lock Haven– At the August 25 opening meeting, Lock Haven University honored two employees with Woman of Distinction Awards.
The Woman of Distinction Award seeks to honor women who are notable for their service to the university and the community and who also show a particular emphasis on service furthering women’s issues.
Laurie Cannady, associate professor of English, received the 2011 Faculty Woman of Distinction Award in recognition of her enthusiasm and passion as a teacher and for the love and care she has for each of her students. The nominating statement noted that Dr. Cannady has overcome many struggles in her life and uses each challenge as a learning and teaching opportunity. The nomination continued, “I am nothing short of inspired by Dr. Cannady’s courage, her strength, her compassion and her ability to overcome and, ultimately, forgive and love.”
Teri Neeper, secretary, LHU Clearfield Campus, received the 2011 Staff Woman of Distinction Award for going above and beyond her duties to make the Clearfield Campus office run smoothly. As the first point of contact for new students, she makes them feel welcomed, listens to their concerns, and helps to find solutions to problems. In addition to her many other contributions, she is the go-to person for campus activities, handling event details behind the scenes and actively participating to support the campus. The nominating statement concluded, “She strengthens our ties to the community through her volunteer efforts. She is a role model for faculty, staff and students.” Dr. Marianne E. Hazel, interim dean of the Clearfield Campus, accepted the award on her behalf.
Awards were presented by Dr. Nicole P. Burkholder-Mosco, chair of the Woman of Distinction selection committee, and Dr. Tara L. Mitchell, co-chair of the President’s Commission on the Status of Women. Joining them was President Michael Fiorentino Jr.
Dr. Burkholder-Mosco commented on the strong slate of nominees. “Last year, the committee received nominations for a strong group of women leaders who represented the main and Clearfield branches of Lock Haven University. I am especially proud to be affiliated with this committee and this award.” She added, “I’m a member of a number of committees that work towards establishing and maintaining gender equity on this campus, but this award—supported by the President’s Commission on the Status of Women—is really special since we get to honor some of the many women who strive in different ways to provide a robust climate for female faculty, staff and students at LHU.”
Nominees for Faculty Woman of Distinction also included Dr. Amy Way, professor, Health Science Department and Dr. Erin Kennedy, associate professor of psychology. Dr. Marjorie Maddox Hafer, professor of English and Dr. Dana Washington, assistant professor of English, were nominated jointly.
Jean Mason, secretary, Disability Services and Haven Achievers Program, was also nominated for the Staff Woman of Distinction Award.
In the spring, Jennifer Williams received Lock Haven University’s 2011 Student Woman of Distinction Award. A Bio-Chem pre-med major, she served as captain of her soccer team, Student-Athlete Advisory Committee president, SCC senator, and student trustee for the LHU Council of Trustees. The award was presented at the Gerald R. Robinson Academic Honors and Foundation Awards Convocation on April 17.
Lock Haven University is a member of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE), the largest provider of higher education in the commonwealth. Its 14 universities offer more than 250 degree and certificate programs in more than 120 areas of study. Nearly 405,000 system alumni live and work in Pennsylvania.